Americans in Orbit-50 Years was founded to commemorate the first U.S. manned orbital space flight and to establish a national education outreach program. For decades, American universities had access to space in order to conduct space science experiments and allow future engineers valuable hands-on experience. This access to space has dwindled over the last few years to virtually zero.

Americans in Orbit-50 Years, is proceeding with plans to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Friendship 7 mission with "America's Launch". We plan to launch two astronauts, and up to 10,000 lbs. of space science experiments in Feb. 2012. After the initial launch, we plan to launch on a regular basis so engineering students will continue to have the opportunity to work on space science experiments and small satellites.

In partnership with the National Space Science Education Program, the project will not be limited to universities. There will also be programs for high school and elementary students. Craig Russell, President of Americans in Orbit-50 Years, stated, "The importance of maintaining our leadership in space exploration is directly related to our leadership in the world, and the surest way to accomplish this is to inspire and engage the youth of America to become a part of mankind's greatest challenge, the exploration of the universe."

Two (2) astronauts have now been selected as the primary crew for the mission: Dr. Howard Chipman (Commander) and Veronique Koken (Second-in-Command). Dr. Chipman, an experienced pilot, has participated in cosmonaut training in Russia. Co-Pilot Koken's background includes aeronautics, physics, and education. She is currently flight training with Commander Chipman in the L-39 jet.

As an affiliate of the National Space Society (NSS), Mr. Russell and the crew of Americans in Orbit-50 Years, plan to present the project at the next NSS Conference in Washington D.C. on May 29-June 1. This will be a great opportunity for those wishing to meet the astronauts and Mr. Russell.

Final decisions have been made on the construction of the spacecraft. A U.S. aerospace company will be selected to build both the manned capsule and the Space Science Module (SSM). The latest proven technology will be incorporated into the design to enhance safety.

Americans in Orbit-50 Years, is now accepting donations to the organization in order to proceed with their plans. Individuals and groups who wish to help with the program are urged to come forward at this time. All donations are tax-deductible and, depending on the amount of the donation, some donors will receive commemorative items. We will invite some of the larger donors to participate directly in planned commemoration activities. All donation information is located on the organization's website.

Based on the above release, it appears as though the project has moved past the idea of launching an exact replica of the Mercury capsule in favor of a two-person spacecraft with a science module. I'm therefore moving this thread to the Commercial Space forum, as it is now less about the history of the program as it is about the future of exploration.

Lou ChinalMember

Posts: 1100From: Staten Island, NYRegistered: Jun 2007

posted 03-23-2008 12:20 PM
Now this is the way to go!

As a historian I love to read about Project Mercury, but that's about it. I shudder at the thought of someone entrusting their life to a 50 year old escape tower.

Let's build on what we have learned from Friendship 7, not duplicate it. This is why Glenn flew three orbits, so we could build bigger spacecraft to do science in space.

There are thousands of young engineers out there that would love to sink there teeth into a project like this, let them go for it.

Let Project Mercury die a dignified death.

bcrussellMember

Posts: 71From: Madison, AL. USARegistered: Jan 2008

posted 04-05-2008 04:58 PM
The crew for the commemorative flight will be at the Sun-n-Fun Airshow (Apr.8-13). They will be in the warbird section, flying the L-39. They will be available for questions.

bcrussellMember

Posts: 71From: Madison, AL. USARegistered: Jan 2008

posted 04-12-2008 11:34 AM
The two (2) seat spacecraft will be designed for multiple flights to orbit. The reusable capsule will require minimal refurbishment between flights.

The RFP for the construction of the spacecraft (manned capsule and SSM) will be sent to U.S. aerospace companies in Nov. of this year.

Funding is still an issue. I would be happy to hear from anyone out there with any ideas on this.

AIO-50 astronauts, Chipman and Koken will give a presentation on their 2012 mission and the International Space Science Education Program. T.J. O'Malley, Launch Director of Friendship 7, will also speak.

Russell said the last presidential election was a vivid illustration of the power of the Internet and grass-roots fundraising, and that's how this project may finally fly. They've taken to calling the project "America's launch" because smaller donations from many average Americans will make it go.

"If two million people in the country buy a Cosmic Card, that will build the capsule," Russell said.

The group is also contacting educational foundations, and will soon hire someone to write some grant proposals and a professional fundraiser. He said no one is currently getting any kind of salary at AIO-50, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency. Russell is president, Greg Allison is vice president, and Bob Gamble is secretary/treasurer.

bcrussellMember

Posts: 71From: Madison, AL. USARegistered: Jan 2008

posted 02-21-2009 09:49 PM
The response to our first public event was very positive. T.J.O'Malley spoke to the assembly via telephone hookup. Astronauts Chipman and Koken gave a presentation on the dual purpose of America's Launch; education and commemoration. A very short edited version will be on our website soon. The event was dedicated in honor of Dr. Konrad Dannenberg who passed away Feb. 16.

"Cosmic Cards" are now available on the website. Light this candle!

SethEdenNew Member

Posts: From: Registered:

posted 04-18-2009 04:55 PM
Check out this first TV Video Interview of the Astronauts for AIO-50!

Cheers and EnjoySeth EdenAdvisory Board member AIO-50

bcrussellMember

Posts: 71From: Madison, AL. USARegistered: Jan 2008

posted 06-03-2009 07:55 AM
The back-up astronaut for the Commander (left seat) has been selected. We will accept applications for the right seat until December of this year. The names of the back-up crew will be announced in Jan. 2010.

The capsule is "on loan" from SpaceCraftRentals.com. It will be put on display at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center until the Fall. The capsule will then be made available to universities so that students may work on land recovery systems and other projects.

Americans in Orbit-50 Years (AIO-50) announced today its own giant leap into space exploration by taking its International Space Science Education Program (ISSEP) to the private sector for funding so that America's youth and education is again an integral part of the space program. With budget cuts looming over the future of government-funded space exploration; the retirement of the space shuttles next year; and a focus on Moon/Mars exploration as the next big NASA project, AIO-50 seeks to make space accessible to the ingenuity and creative thinking of America's schools, colleges, and universities.

The ISSEP offers more opportunities for students, professors, and private industry professionals to participate in space-related discoveries, and contribute to resulting technologies. According to AIO-50 President, Craig Russell, it has become almost impossible for students to get space science projects into orbit. "Access to space for universities had dwindled over the past few years to virtually zero," he says.

Photo credit: Americans in Orbit-50 Years

In July, Russell took the first step in preparation for the February 20, 2012 "America's Launch" mission when he transported a boilerplate Gemini capsule from Kansas City, MO, to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL where it is currently on display. The capsule is "on loan" to AIO-50 from Vince Lawrence, president of SpaceCraftRentals.com.

"The capsule is available to any college or university program willing to test the recovery and landing system capabilities needed," Russell says. "This is an exceptional hands-on opportunity for any college or university. The technology to land the Gemini on the ground has been available for fifty years. We have access to the original blueprints - we just need private funding and the academic world to make it work." AIO-50 is currently seeking cooperative fundraising opportunities and corporate sponsorships, to support the school or schools that rise to the challenge.

The Gemini IR (Improved-Reusable) manned spacecraft will use modern instrumentation, computers, and GPS. Two private astronauts, Mission Commander Howard Chipman and Co-Pilot Veronique Koken will launch using the man-rated Falcon 9 rocket in February 20, 2012, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Friendship 7 mission. "AIO-50 will launch on a regular basis, so engineering students from around the world will have the opportunity to work on space science experiments and small satellites," says Russell.

Commander Chipman says, "We look forward to the opportunity... to inspire the young and old alike to a space-faring future for America and the world."

Americans in Orbit-50 Years is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring future generations in space exploration with a dedication to education.

Photo credit: Americans in Orbit-50 Years

Robert PearlmanEditor

Posts: 30828From: Houston, TXRegistered: Nov 1999

posted 09-03-2009 08:05 PM
Americans in Orbit-50 Years release

AIO-50 Search Over for University to Test Recovery Systems on GeminiUAHuntsville Helps Focus Space Exploration on Education

In a formal ceremony today at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Americans in Orbit- 50 Years (AIO-50) president Craig Russell will present a $1,000 check to Dr. Kader Frendi, chairman of UAHuntsville's Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). The donation will jumpstart an unprecedented space exploration project to test the landing and recovery systems for a 21st Century Gemini IR (Improved-Reusable) manned spacecraft. Before a group of distinguished guests that include Mayor Tommy Battle and Mayor Paul Findley, AIO-50 and UAH have taken the first step in AIO's larger mission to launch the first privately funded U.S. space expedition in history with a focus on education. Last week, AIO-50 delivered a 50-year-old boilerplate Gemini capsule to the UAH campus for students to use as a model for the actual Gemini IR.

Last week, Russell spoke before almost a hundred of Dr. Christina Carmen's MAE students concerning this historic opportunity for hands-on experience working with space hardware, and the chance to use their ingenuity to drive a non-NASA-based space program dedicated to education. In attendance was former NASA Administrator and current UAH professor of MAE, Dr. Michael Griffin. He spoke briefly about the importance of enthusiasm and optimism in the future of the space program. According to Professor Carmen, "The students are excited about this opportunity. They are already talking among themselves about how to proceed."

"The technology to land the Gemini on the ground has been available for 50 years. We have access to the original blueprints - we just need private funding and now UAH, to make it work," Russell says, "What university has a better understanding of developing space hardware than UAH?"

Russell also says, "It has become almost impossible for students to get space science projects into orbit. UAH used to lead this charge but access has dwindled to virtually zero". AIO-50's International Space Science Education Program (ISSEP) offers more opportunities to participate in space-related discoveries, and contribute to resulting technologies.

America's Launch is scheduled for February 20, 2012, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Friendship 7 mission.

Americans in Orbit - 50 Years is a non-profit organization committed to inspiring future generations in space exploration with a dedication to education.

AtlantisMember

Posts: 111From: Cullman, ALRegistered: Dec 2007

posted 09-09-2009 11:27 PM
I'm now a historical consultant on the project.

bcrussellMember

Posts: 71From: Madison, AL. USARegistered: Jan 2008

posted 10-04-2009 05:45 PM
A $46M bid has come in for the right seat backup crew for "America's Launch". Higher bids will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2010.

This backup crew will be the prime crew for a Q4 2012 mission. EVA will be possible on this mission. This could be the first privately funded orbital flight from the U.S.

All names will remain confidential until the winning bid is announced in Jan. 2011.

Americans in Orbit 50 Years is proud to announce the appointment of two veteran space professionals to their nonprofit Board of Directors. Dr. John Bossard has a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, and is an Associate Fellow of the AIAA, having served in technical, management and executive leadership positions for Aerojet, CFD Research, KT Engineering, and Orion Propulsion, before founding his own company, BSRC LLC, in 2007. He specializes in the conceptualization, analysis, design, fabrication, and testing of high energy-release-rate systems, specifically aerospace propulsion systems and combustion devices, providing both analytical and development/fabrication/testing support for project agendas. Through BSRD, Dr. Bossard has been able to support NASA MSFC, the Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC), as well other commercial clients in the aerospace field.

David Kingsbury is the son of a retired MSFC Director of Science and Engineering, and immediately went to work for Boeing Aerospace while enrolled in UAHuntsville's graduate program, earning his MBA in Computer Science management. Shortly thereafter, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of working on the NASA Space Program as a database lead on NASA's Space Station Program, and joined Intergraph Corporation in 1988 where he became an Executive Director. David recently joined Rolta International as Director of Information Solutions and Sales, and is currently president of the South East Geospatial Information Technology Association (GITA) for Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

The appointments came on the heels of the T-Minus 2 Years and Counting Annual Dinner, which featured the work of UAHuntsville's Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) students, who are building a prototype Gemini Improved Reusable (IR) space capsule and Space Science Module (SSM) as part of AIO-50's International Space Science Education Program (ISSEP). The ISSEP is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program designed to help students again put science experiments and equipment into orbit as part of a privately funded, Huntsville-based orbital space program dedicated solely to education.

"The ongoing work of UAHuntsville's MAE students led by Dr. Christina Carmen, is really giving the ISSEP traction," says AIO-50 president Craig Russell. "Guests to the T-Minus and Counting Dinner were able to touch, see, and experience progress in building the new Gemini and Space Science Module, and that inspired some important veterans of Huntsville's space program to step forward with their support. We are thrilled to have both Dr. Bossard and David Kingsbury join our Board of Directors."

bcrussellMember

Posts: 71From: Madison, AL. USARegistered: Jan 2008

posted 05-05-2010 08:48 PM
America's Launch is targeted for Feb. 20, 2012. The mission has a dual purpose, education and the 50th anniversary of Friendship 7. All Americans can help make this possible with tax deductible donations. Only in America could such a thing happen.

If we don't do this, one thing is sure. Newspapers around the world will have headlines that will say something like: "U.S. unable to put man in orbit 50 Years after Friendship 7"

Let's do this America!

bcrussellMember

Posts: 71From: Madison, AL. USARegistered: Jan 2008

posted 06-23-2010 06:12 PM
A medical issue has resulted in an open seat for the backup crew of America's Launch. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2010. A second class FAA medical is required. This crew member does not have to be an American citizen.

The dream of becoming an astronaut now seems out of reach to many young people, but Americans in Orbit-50 Years (AIO-50) plans to make sure students can, and will, become astronauts. Today, AIO-50 announced their Students in Space program, the newest initiative of their International Space Science Education Program (ISSEP). Qualified young Americans who will be between the ages of 18 and 25 in the year 2014 have the opportunity to compete for an orbital mission planned for 2014.

"Making space available to students lies at the heart of AIO-50's overall mission to inspire and educate a new generation of space explorers," says AIO-50 president, Craig Russell.

The second Russian Cosmonaut, Titov, was only 25 years old when he orbited the earth in August, 1961. Ever since then, people under 25 have been excluded from manned space missions. "We must get our youth involved sooner or later... I say sooner!" says Russell.

AIO-50 will announce more details of the Students in Space program later this year; participation will involve an application process. All applicants must meet FAA Class 2 medical standards; each applicant will be required to go through astronaut training at the official AIO-50 training facility at Aurora Aerospace in Clearwater, Fla., and they must be either a student or a graduate student, and between the ages of 18 and 25 in the year 2014. The students chosen for these missions will train with the Mission Commander and learn to initiate the re-entry procedure and all emergency procedures.

AIO-50 is moving forward with the first, dedicated education launch, AMERICA'S LAUNCH (target date February 20, 2012). UAHuntsville Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) students are testing the landing and recovery systems on a Gemini test vehicle. AIO-50 will work this fall with Calhoun Community College students to build actual space flight hardware.

AIO-50 is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on space education. Every $50 donation given in the form of Orbit Club Memberships provides financial support for one student in the ISSEP.

Rocket EngineerMember

Posts: 10From: Huntsville, Alabama, USARegistered: Sep 2010

posted 09-01-2010 02:24 PM
Here is the site for the latest AIO-50 video of Michael Ballance flying in Zero Gravity with Aurora Aerospace.

posted 05-16-2011 08:28 PM
AIO-50 has ceased operations as of today. We were unable to secure enough funding to continue our program. I'd like to thank all of you that participated over the last few years. America's Launch 2.20.2012 is also cancelled.

Everything in life is always ten times more complicated then it first seems.

Fra MauroMember

Posts: 1150From: Bethpage, N.Y.Registered: Jul 2002

posted 05-17-2011 02:22 PM
Sorry to hear the concept failed. It does prove that a commercial space venture is a high-risk business and perhaps a message to NASA.

Rocket EngineerMember

Posts: 10From: Huntsville, Alabama, USARegistered: Sep 2010

posted 05-27-2011 02:11 PM

quote:Originally posted by Fra Mauro:Sorry to hear the concept failed.

The concept did not fail, the business as a non-profit did not work. The concept of the "Commercial Space Venture" is continuing as a for-profit venture in Space Operations, Inc., which is doing quite well. Incorporated on Jan. 13, the company is currently in negotiation with investors for the project.